Rempe is ready to demonstrate improved skills and skating technique on his skates.

Matt Rempe became an instant celebrity around Manhattan due to his penchant for fighting and infuriating opponents during this offseason’s New York Rangers preseason games, but Georges Laraque did not like what he saw. Laraque knew full well how many hits his opponent was taking to his face: over 150 fights in the NHL over more than 10 years as an enforcer had given Laraque ample experience to know how best to decrease them. Rempe reached out to him over the phone to provide some guidance, then spent some time teaching him some finer points of fighting on the ice over summer. That piece was just part of Rempe’s offseason education that also involved nearly daily power skating sessions with Chris Kreider of New York Rangers as well as working together on tipping pucks in front of net. Rempe, 22, anticipates becoming an even stronger hockey player despite not using his gloves this season, prioritizing skills development over fighting as part of his overall strategy to achieve excellence on and off the ice. “Fighting is only part of my overall plan; skills development was my main priority during training camp.” “My aim is to become a better player, so this summer has been extremely enjoyable. I made great strides forward this summer in that regard.” “Rempe did take some time out for his fans as well.” At Fanatics Fest NYC in August – an inaugural three-day sports fan festival offering presentations, merchandise sales and star appearances – Rempe’s autograph line was among the longest of any NHL player. After playing 28 regular and playoff games together – five against some of sports most fearsome heavyweights — his aim is to prove he can become an everyday player in NHL. Laraque believes Rempe has potential as an outstanding third-liner because he’s so young and eager to improve himself physically. Laraque told The Associated Press by phone: “Without fighting, that guy could still be an asset; that is something many don’t recognize.” “He is an absolute force; when dumping the puck he could kill any D player who comes back out. Just by his speed alone – just contact with his fast skates – his strength alone will inflict severe injury…He is like an oil tank. […] ” He’s a truck.” Rempe has added 15 pounds of muscle in the gym in addition to his efforts on the ice, in hopes that this additional strength can help him manage and protect the puck better, eventually being counted upon as a penalty killer like at the junior level. His teammates anticipate more from Rempe in coming months. “His game will definitely improve,” stated center Vincent Trocheck. “You can tell he worked very hard this summer to become larger, stronger and faster – something even his larger teammates attested to this summer. However, his speed will always remain. For someone of his size he flies. Additionally, his hands have developed nicely through hard work.” Emppe has already proven himself with opportunity. Wearing No. 73, but already top of mind among Rangers fans after fighting Matt Martin of the Islanders outdoor in front of over 84,000 at MetLife Stadium during his NHL debut last February has given him confidence to grow even more as an NHLer.” Trocheck said only three players have ever heard chanted at Madison Square Garden — Remps, Shesterkin and Lundqvist were mentioned specifically — during his four seasons there: Rempe, Shesterkin and Lundqvist were the exceptions; Rempe became an instant fan-favorite among fans last season while Shesterkin became legendary goalie Henrik Lundqvist was revered among Rangers faithful last season as his popularity skyrocketed during that span alone. On Wednesday the Rangers begin season against Pittsburgh Penguins while The Associated Press contributed this report.